Travels With 007 - Piz Gloria, Switzerland

On a pristine winter's morning we set out from Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland for a trip to the summit of the Schilthorn, and the revolving restaurant called Piz Gloria. The restaurant gets its name from the fictional based of Ernst Stavro Blofeld in Ian Fleming's novel On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The reason that this alpine restaurant has inherited the name is that it doubled for Blofeld's lair in the 1969 film.

After a morning's skiing at Birg, which was also featured in the film, we made our way further up cable car way to Piz Gloria itself.

The building was partly constructed when it was found by the filmmakers, and they apparently contributed financially to its completion. The revolving section allows diners in the restaurant to view a full 360-degree panorama in about an hour. Apparently the size of the restaurant section was increased in the 1990s, but it still retains the style and looks of the original.

Upon entering the building, I noticed the de Bleauchamp family crest, a memento from the film. I had already eaten lunch, but I wanted to enjoy the 360-degree view from the restaurant, or alpine room as it called in the film. I sat with some friends and snacked on some french-fries (Ian Fleming was probably turning in his grave!). The menu was 007 themed, and contained such interesting items as James Bond Spaghetti Bolognaise (?!?).

After admiring the view from inside, we proceeded out onto what was the heli-pad in the film, now an observation deck. It may have been bright and sunny but it was pretty cold - hence the large jacket in the photo!

Then it was back inside and into the heart of the building where we found a small theatre which played a collection of clips from the film. It was quite incredible watching the film in the very place that it was filmed all those years ago. In the gift shop, the walls were adorned with portraits of Lazenby, Rigg and Savalas and there were Bond items everywhere. The owners of Piz Gloria certainly milk the James Bond connection for all it's worth!

In the surrounding area there are more locations to check out, such as the town of Murren further down the cableway. Also, the railway station at Lauterbrunnen was the setting Bond's arrival in Switzerland and his meeting with Irma Bunt.

If you are ever in Switzerland, particularly in the Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen area then Piz Gloria should definitely be visited. If you want to visit a Bond location, there is none more picturesque!